2012 Year of the Dragon

2012 CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE DRAGON

January 23, 2012 - February 9, 2013

Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors.

2012 is the Year of the Dragon. A magnificent comeback after the recuperative year of the Rabbit. We will throw caution to the four winds and roll up our sleeves for all sorts of grandiose, exhilarating, colossal, over ambitious and daring projects. The indomitable spirit of the Dragon will inflate everything to larger than life size. Somehow we will find ourselves bubbling with excess energy. It will be wise not to overestimate ourselves or our potentials in this combustible year. Things appear better than they actually are.

On the brighter side, business will be good and money can be generated or obtained easily. It is the time to ask your bank for a loan. Big spending and lavish plans are the rule of the day. The mighty Dragon sneers at the prudent and penny-pinching. He gambles for all or nothing. He will stimulate us to think and act big, even overstepping the bounds of caution.

Asians consider this to be an auspicious year to get married, have children, or start a new business, as the benevolent Dragon brings good fortune and happiness.

However, this is also a time to temper our enthusiasm and look twice before taking a plunge. For although the lucky Dragon showers his blessing indiscriminately on all, he disappears when the time comes for making retributions for our errors. Success as well as failures will thus be magnified. The Fire Dragon is especially feared, as he wreaks more havoc than the Dragons of the other elements.

In the Dragon's year, fortunes as well as disaster will come in massive waves. This is a year marked by a lot of surprises and violent acts of nature. Tempers will flare the world over and everyone will be staging some real or imaginary revolt against constrictions. The electric atmosphere created by the mighty Dragon will affect us, one and all.

A very good year. Excellent business and romantic prospects. The RATwill have a smooth time with financial gains or promotions. But while the Rat could be recognized for his achievements this year, he must also be on guard against newfound friends who tend to use him.

A moderate year as many changes and unexpected troubles keep the OX or BUFFALO busy. Plans will be realized but not as quickly as he wishes. He will have to work hard although he will come in contact with helpful and influential people.

Not much in store for the TIGER this year. He will find it hard to raise money or he may be influenced by others to make unwise investments. Some unhappiness foreseen, such as separation from a loved one or a break in partnership. He finds it difficult to adjust to changes even when they are for his own good.

The RABBIT can expect a moderately happy but busy time at home and in his career this year. Things may be mixed or mediocre money-wise, but the Rabbit will still find it easy to be congenial and content as his overall gains will exceed his losses. He may make powerful new friends who will prove useful.

A very good year for the DRAGON native. Numerous benefits in store and he could gain recognition or make fantastic progress in his work. Success comes easily to all his undertakings as this busy and exiting year keeps the Dragon very occupied and alert.

A difficult year in store for the SNAKE. No sizable gains can be expected in business or career. He must beware of malicious gossip and jealous associates. The worst of his troubles will be over by summer and the cold weather should bring some welcome news. A year to avoid extravagances and hold on to his money.

A mixed year. Many unsteady and unsettled affairs try the HORSE'spatience and worries weigh upon his mind, causing health problems. He must not expect the worst. The storm will blow itself out and there may not be as much damage as predicted. A time to look to the bright side of life, cultivate friends and placate enemies.

Hectic but sober year. The SHEEP or GOAT gains will be marginal and although there may be numerous disputes he is fortunate not to face any major calamity. The Sheep or Goat will find it hard to accumulate money at this time, but he should ride out the storm admirably if he does not gamble or make drastic changes in his life.

Gains this year for the MONKEY will be in the form of knowledge or technical know-how. The benefits he receives will not be tangible or immediately realized. Troubles and unsettled differences cloud his mind and he may have to spend his own money or savings to push his plans through. A year to watch and learn. He must not speculate.

A very good and prosperous year. Success shines on the ROOSTER this year as he is able to occupy leading positions or is given the power to shape his own destiny. Home-wise and health-wise, there may be frustrations that make him tense and tired. Birth or marriages in his family.

A difficult year in store. The DOG will have to strive very hard to maintain his former status and may have to fight off the competition constantly. People take advantage of his weak position and he is susceptible to infections and contagious diseases. A time to lie low and join forces with others instead of acting independently. He will receive good news in the winter.

A smooth year. The PIG or BOAR will win the support of powerful people and be able to please his superiors. He will gain the recognition and respect of his coworkers. Family life is smooth but he could expect some health upsets or loss of personal belongings.